The Secret to Kitchens & Bathrooms That Will Never Go Out of Style

As Nancy pointed out recently, there are some kitchen design choices that never go out of style — retro SMEG fridges and farmhouse sinks fall firmly in this category. If they've been considered stylish and practical for decades, chances are they'll still be popular a couple decades from now. By mixing time-tested classics and influences from multiple eras with the hip trend du jour in the the kitchen and bathroom — rooms that are most likely to look outdated quickly — you can create a space you'll love now...and in 10 years.

Above: Vintage-style appliances make this space designed by Bricks Studio feel classic, while fresh white tile, open shelving and those of-the-moment air plants hanging out on the range hood ground this kitchen in the present day.

Interior designer Louise Convert says mixing eras is all about moxie. In the kitchen above, photographed by Brent Darby and found via Homes & Antiques, a vintage French cabinet and copper pans from eBay add old-school charm.

A mix of time periods in this Nashville bungalow's bathroom guarantees that it won't look outdated in a few years. When a clawfoot tub and worn vintage rug combine with trendy shiplap and brass hardware, some type of neutralizing effect takes place and the space becomes timeless.

In Ultramarine's creative collaborative space in Madrid, spotted on Behance, quirky original built-in cabinets pair well with modern open shelving. Dark paint makes the floating wood shelves pop, and is also easy to change when you're ready for a new look.

Some things never go out of style — like copper pots, which if cared for, can be used forever. The same goes for quality cast iron, and even a nice cutting board. If you want to invest in cookware you can display for decades, choose tried-and-tested classics.

Fact: SMEG fridges are always in fashion — and the London kitchen above is all the proof you need. To fit a sleek SMEG oven into the rustic-vintage vibe of the room, homeowners Caroline and Simon surrounded the appliance with reclaimed wood cabinets.

In Anna Louise of Experimental Vintage's kitchen, her signature vintage rug works well with original brick detailing and a trendy shibori dishtowel. The look is modern-day bohemian, yet can work for many years.